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      Why is Barcelona vs Real Madrid NOT on TV this weekend? All you need to know ahead of Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut

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      REAL MADRID travel to Barcelona this weekend for a massive El Clasico clash in La Liga.The game marks Jude Bellingham’s first as a Real Madrid player, and he’ll be keen to impress on his debut in the fixture.
      Jude Bellingham will be looking to impress on his El Clasico debutCredit: Alamy
      Bellingham has been Los Blancos’ best player this season, scoring 11 goals in 12 games so far.
      Barcelona are currently third in La Liga, 1 point behind Real Madrid, who sit top of the league.
      A win over their big rivals would put them at the summit of the table, unless second place Girona win at the weekend.
      It should be a cracking fixture, but fans in the UK won’t be able to watch it.

      Why is Barcelona vs Real Madrid not on TV?
      Barcelona vs Real Madrid will take place at 3.15pm BST on Saturday, October 28.
      But because of the UK’s 3pm TV blackout rule, fans over here won’t be able to catch the game.
      The rule states that no football can be broadcast live between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturdays.
      Not many knew that the rule extended to games being played in foreign leagues, but the rule is there to encourage fans to attend stadiums on a Saturday instead.
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      Keegan Pierce, managing director of LALIGA UK & Ireland, said: “We’re disappointed that British fans cannot watch ElClásico this weekend, due to the UK’s self-imposed Saturday 3pm blackout rule.
      “While we fully support measures to promote attendance up and down the pyramid, we believe the blackout should be limited to televising of domestic football, not overseas competitions, who have no voice nor vote in the matter.
      “This is a topic we look forward to discussing with football stakeholders in the UK during the coming months.” More

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      Barcelona icon from Pep’s historic team looks unrecognisable without trademark hair as Pique tips him to replace Xavi

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      THIS Barcelona icon who starred under Pep Guardiola looks unrecognisable without his trademark hair.And he’s now being tipped to be next in line to boss the club after Xavi Hernandez by old Nou Camp team-mate Gerard Pique.
      This former Barcelona star looks unrecognisable with a new hair styleCredit: 2023 Jam Media
      Rafael Marquez is currently managing Barcelona’s B teamCredit: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto
      Rafael Marquez, 44, is considered to be one of the greatest defenders of the modern era.
      After winning the French title with Monaco, he spent seven seasons starring at Barcelona between 2003 and 2010.
      Marquez won four LaLigas and two Champions Leagues during his time in Spain.
      The 147-time Mexico international is now back in Catalonia as manager of Barca’s B team.
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      And he looks completely different after ditching his iconic long locks and pony tail for a short back and sides.
      Nou Camp chiefs have been left impressed by Marquez’s impact with the reserves.
      He joined on a deal in June 2022 and was tasked with developing youngsters for Xavi’s side.
      The likes of Lamine Yamal have gone on to become regular senior starters.
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      The Mexico legend is best remembered for his long flowing locks on the pitchCredit: Quinho / Icon Sport
      Aces including Marc Casado and Marc Guiu have also made their debuts this season – with the latter scoring moments into his first-ever appearance.
      While Spain under-21 star Fermin Lopez has burst onto the scene, netting in Wednesday’s Champions League win over Shakhtar.
      And former Barcelona defender Pique reckons Marquez is in prime place to replace Xavi whenever the manager decides to leave his post.
      Pique said: “Yes for sure (he is ready). Rafa is more than ready for a range of things because of the attitude he has, his knowledge of the game and his experience.
      “He’s in a learning process as a coach right now and I am sure that in the future we will see him on a bench in LaLiga.
      “We will see if that is with Barca or another team, but he’s preparing excellently.” More

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      Barcelona forced to apologise after spokesperson says Vinicius Jr ‘deserves a SLAP’ and denies he suffered racist abuse

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      THE deputy spokesperson for Barcelona’s board of directors has astonishingly denied that Vinicius Jr has been the subject of racist abuse.He has also claimed that the Real Madrid star “deserves a slap” for merely performing skill on the pitch.
      Vinicius Jr was the subject of a bizarre tweet by a Barcelona member of staffCredit: Getty
      Mikel Camps posted the now-deleted tweet about Vinicius JrCredit: FC BARCELONA
      The Barcelona staff member – named Mikel Camps – launched the stinging attack on Vinicius Jr in a now-deleted tweet.
      He wrote: “It’s not racism, he deserves a slap for being a clown.
      “What do these unnecessary and meaningless stepovers represent in the centre of the field?”
      Following the tweet, Barcelona director Rafa Yuste admitted that Camps’ social media post was out of line.
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      He said: “If Vinicius is listening to me, I tell him that this will not happen again.
      “Even if it was a slip of the tongue it shouldn’t have happened. It was an unfortunate tweet.”
      Vinicius Jr has repeatedly been the subject of racist abuse from opposition fans during his time at Real Madrid.
      He was abused by home supporters during a match at Valencia in May, with the LaLiga club subsequently fined £23,500 and handed a three-game partial stadium closure.
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      The winger was racially abused again during last weekend’s match at Sevilla.
      After the fan was removed, a club statement read: “Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly. This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC.
      “The individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.”
      Vinicius Jr later praised the Andalusian club for taking quick action.
      He wrote on social media: “Congratulations to Sevilla for their quick positioning and punishment in yet another sad episode for Spanish football.
      “Unfortunately, I had access to a video of another racist act in this Saturday’s match, this time carried out by a child.
      “I am very sorry that there is no one to educate you. I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to form citizens with attitudes different from these.
      “The face of today’s racist is plastered on websites as on many other occasions.
      “I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the legislation once and for all. These people must be criminally punished too.
      “It would be a great first step in preparing for the 2030 World Cup. I’m available to help.
      “Sorry to seem repetitive, but this is isolated episode number 19. And counting…”
      Camps’ now-deleted tweet was posted with the latest El Clasico match on the horizon.
      Barcelona will host Real Madrid this Saturday, with Vinicius Jr set to be in action.
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      Real Madrid currently top the table with 25 points after ten games, level with high-flying Girona.
      Barca are third, a point behind the duo in front.
      The Brazilian was in action against Sevilla last weekendCredit: Getty More

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      Robert Lewandowski slumps over seat in despair after watching Barcelona team-mate’s awful free-kick in win over Shakhtar

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      IT’S tough to say what was more shocking.A horrific free-kick from Ronald Araujo or the reaction in the stands from his legendary Barcelona pals Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie De Jong.
      Robert Lewandowski was stunned by Ronald Araujo’s poor effort and Barcelona team-mates were clearly also far from impressed

      Araujo frustrated watching Barca players with his free-kick woeCredit: Alamy
      Araujo spiralled a dead-ball so far over the top of the bar that it was more worthy of the rugby World Cup.
      Even the Uruguayan defender smiled bashfully – helped by Barca edging towards a 2-1 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
      But Araujo’s rueful response was nothing compared to the expressions from sidelined Nou camp heroes.
      Injured striker Lewandowski, 35, slumped forward in disbelief with his head over the seat in front and his hands spread wide.
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      And De Jong was almost as expressive.
      The perennial Manchester United target turned to Lewandowski laughing, then buried his head down into his hands.
      Other watching barca players were hardly more sympathetic.
      One fan wrote: “Frenkie, Gavi, laugh at Araujo freekick.”
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      And one observer noted how Barcelona have been spoilt over the years with dead-ball demons like seven-time ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
      The nonplussed Nou Camp supporter posted: “Our free kick game has gone from the GOAT bending it into the top corner, to big Ronald Araujo smashing it into row Z. ”
      Victory gave Barca three straight wins in Group H.
      Ferran Torres and Fernin Lopez struck during a first-half stroll.
      But Georgiy Sudakov brilliantly cut the deficit for the Ukrainian visitors on 62 minutes – albeit in vain. More

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      LaLiga breaks silence with UK fans BANNED from watching Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut this weekend

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      LALIGA have argued the TV blackout rule stopping UK fans from watching Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut should be scrapped.Bellingham and his Real Madrid side travel to Barcelona on Saturday.
      British TV viewers will be denied the chance to see Jude Bellingham take on Barcelona for the first time since his summer move to Real MadridCredit: Rex
      But the 3.15pm UK kick-off — scheduled so Asia-based fans can watch the game — means it cannot be shown live by Viaplay in this country.
      The blackout — from 2.45-5.15pm — was introduced in the 1960s to protect attendances and Prem clubs recently agreed to keep it in place until at least 2029.
      Keegan Pierce,  LaLiga’s UK and  Ireland MD, said: “We’re disappointed that British fans cannot watch El Clasico this weekend due to the UK’s self- imposed Saturday 3pm rule.”
      LaLiga believe many fans who want to watch England ace Bellingham   and Co would not otherwise go to UK games.
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      Pierce added:  “While we fully support  measures to promote attendance, we believe the blackout should be limited to the  televising of domestic football, not overseas competitions.”
      It comes as Bellingham, 20, continues to somehow make his £115million fee seem like a bargain.
      The midfielder has notched 11 goals in 12 games since his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
      Spanish outlet Diario labelled him the “The New Boss of the Bernabeu” on their front page.
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      And Bellingham will again make the cover if he inspires LaLiga leaders Real to an El Clasico victory on Saturday.
      Girona are second on goal difference – with Barca a point behind in third place. More

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      RB Leipzig star Ilaix Moriba ‘cancelled flight’ to seal Man City transfer before Barcelona debut, his dad claimed

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      THE father of Ilaix Moriba has revealed he cancelled his son’s flight to Manchester City so the teen could remain at Barcelona.Moriba, now 20, burst into Ronald Koeman’s team in 2019 and was tipped for a bright future with the Catalans.

      AFP OR LICENSORS

      Ilaix Moriba, now 20, was set to agree a deal with Man City before staying at Barcelona However, he chose to leave the Camp Nou in 2021 and joined RB Leipzig for around £16million after a row over his contract.

      He had a two-year spell on-loan with LaLiga giants Valencia, and his future is currently in limbo in Germany.

      Moriba was put up for sale in the summer, although there were no takers.

      But, Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at City when doubts emerged over a Barca deal back in 2019.

      The Spain youth international, who plays internationally for Guinea, had even booked a plane ticket to the Etihad as he searched for his first professional contract.

      However, Moriba’s dad Mamady Kourouma cancelled the ticket on the morning of the flight after a breakthrough in contract talks with Barca.

      He told Sport: “With Barcelona, the negotiations did not advance. We met with Txiki Begiristain [City’s sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.

      “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.

      “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barcelona.

      “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.” More

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      Fans call Jude Bellingham ‘fantastic example of a young man’ for sweet gesture to Real Madrid fan at training ground

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM was hailed as a “fantastic example” after he went above and beyond for one Real Madrid fan. The 20-year-old superstar left Borussia Dortmund this summer to join Real Madrid for £115m.
      Jude Bellingham has been praised for being so attentive to supporters
      The superstar is a favourite among the Real Madrid fanbaseCredit: Getty
      And Bellingham has not looked back since after firing in 11 goals in 12 games for his new club.
      But where he has really impressed those at the club is his mature personality and his willingness to learn Spanish. 
      And Bellingham made sure he left the training ground having done some good, by interacting with the Madrid supporters crowding his vehicle.
      The England star stopped to sign shirts from the passenger seat of his mother’s car, and spent time ensuring that he spelt one fan’s name correctly.
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      In the heart-warming clip, Bellingham struggles with the Spanish alphabet, as the female supporter begins spelling it out letter by letter.
      Footie fans were quick to react to the Read Madrid man’s actions with one saying: “Class.”
      Another wrote: “What a fantastic example of a young man.”
      And another said: “Respect Jude. He has a lot of respect.”
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      A third fan added: “Not only is he a great footballer, he also has the patience of a saint.”
      A fourth declared: “The patience Jude has really shows the type of bloke he is.”
      As has been historically documented, there is a necessity to find both your feet and tongue in La Liga.
      Foreign players are expected to learn the language and culture at the Bernabeu.
      Just ask Gareth Bale, Steve McManaman and Eden Hazard – who all faced gruelling criticisms for their perceived lack of effort.
      Bale – who did learn Spanish over his nine years in Spain – was routinely demonised by fans about his linguistic abilities.
      But Bellingham is not expected to face such scrutiny, after his defiant and effortless start to life at Real Madrid has made him a hero among fans.
      With Spanish media outlet Diario AS’ front page hailing him, “The New Boss of the Bernabeu”. More

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      LaLiga star reveals heartbreaking reason behind mystery absence in touching social media post

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      SPANISH STAR Jonathan Viera’s partner has been suffering with a tumour, it has been revealed.The Las Palmas captain has been the subject of much speculation in Spain in recent weeks.
      Jonathan Viera skippers Las Palmas in LaLigaCredit: 2023 Quality Sport Images
      Viera, 34, shared this snap to InstagramCredit: Instagram @jonathanvieraramos21
      He was left out of their starting XI for matches against Celta Vigo and Villarreal, before being omitted entirely against Rayo Vallecano.
      Viera, 34, had hinted that there “wasn’t long left” for him in football.
      While Las Palmas club president Miguel Angel Ramirez claimed that Viera had earned the right to retire whenever he pleased.
      According to AS, his partner claimed on social media that a tumour had been detected on her uterus.
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      The tumour was subsequently removed “right on time”.
      Viera then posted a picture of himself with his partner, captioning it: “Always like this with a smile, That was always our best weapon.
      “I love you.”
      Footballers Kirian Rodriguez, Vitolo Machin, Alvaro Jimenez, Raul Navas, Oscar Pinchi and Oscar Clemente all commented with supportive messages.
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      Viera joined Las Palmas in 2015 from Club Brugge, initially staying for three years before moving to Beijing Gouan.
      He stayed in China for three years, later returning to Las Palmas in 2021.
      The attacking midfielder has made 265 appearances in total for the Gran Canaria club, scoring 77 goals and laying on 50 assists. More